Singers prepare for Christmas concert
Timaru carol singers are about to get into the holiday spirit with their annual Christmas concert, which has been running every year since 1967.
Carols by Candlelight will include performances from the Timaru Municipal Alpine Energy Brass, singers from the Rhyth-Mix group and 13 other performers, including musicians and dancers .
The concert, organised by the Timaru North Rotary Club, was being held at the Theatre Royal on Sunday December 17, at 7pm. Club member Neil Dickson said the free concert was atmospheric, and was ‘‘always very well received and enjoyed’’.
The concert was run first by the Timaru club for two years, then by the Timaru South Club until handed to the Timaru North Rotary club in 2014.
Most of the concert was comprised of traditional carols this year, Dickson said. ‘‘We also have some [other] items, for instance a piper, and dancers and a children’s group.’’
The young performers were from Mrs A’s Music School. ‘‘The club has been organising this for a few years and we have a very experienced compere in Tony Bunting,’’ Dickson said.
People were encouraged to bring glow sticks to help create a candlelight atmosphere. The doors would be open at 6.30pm. Dickson said the Rotary group organised, promoted and hosted each year’s programme, inviting local entities, bands and groups to compare and perform.
Venue hire and promotion costs were covered by sponsorship with Alpine Energy being the club’s current sponsor. Donations collected during the carol singing will benefit the St Vincent de Paul Society.